Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally received his Letters of Credence, paving the way for him to assume duties as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini. Fani-Kayode confirmed the development on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in a post on his verified social media handle, stating that the diplomatic documents were presented to him on Monday, 6 July 2026, by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former minister disclosed that he had first obtained the necessary 'agrément'—the formal acceptance of his appointment by the host countries—before the Letters of Credence were issued. He said he would now begin the process of reporting to Pretoria, where he is expected to formally present his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially commencing his diplomatic responsibilities. "I shall begin the process of reporting to my duty post, presenting my letter of credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead," Fani-Kayode stated.
Fani-Kayode, who served as Nigeria's Minister of Aviation exactly 20 years ago, described the appointment as a divine opportunity to serve his country once more. "I thank God for the opportunity to serve my nation once again after being appointed as Minister of Aviation 20 years ago, almost to the day!" he said. He expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and appealed for the prayers and support of Nigerians. "My gratitude goes to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence he has reposed in me, and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill. The Lord alone shall take the glory for this, and He shall do great things. He is faithful!" he added.
Fani-Kayode's posting to South Africa comes after a diplomatic twist earlier this year. He was initially appointed as Ambassador-Designate to Germany in March 2026 but was later redeployed to South Africa in May following a formal request he made to the Presidency. He had raised objections to his initial posting and personally sought reassignment to South Africa, a country he described as having a remarkable and inspiring history. The redeployment saw Senator Ita Enang moved to Germany in his place. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) later debunked narratives that Germany had rejected Fani-Kayode, clarifying that he chose South Africa for personal and ideological reasons.
The appointment is seen as part of Nigeria's broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with South Africa, a key partner on the continent. The High Commissioner is expected to focus on trade, security, diaspora matters, and the protection of Nigerian citizens in the region. Fani-Kayode's posting comes at a time of heightened tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, following a wave of xenophobic attacks that have claimed the lives of several Nigerian nationals and sparked diplomatic rows. His assignment is viewed as a strategic move to address the grievances of Nigerians in South Africa and to foster stronger economic and political ties between Africa's two largest economies. With the Letters of Credence now in hand, Fani-Kayode is set to begin his diplomatic mission in Pretoria, carrying the expectations of a nation watching closely how he navigates the complex and often turbulent relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
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